Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Imaging of Atherosclerotic Plaques in a Mouse Model Using a Liposomal-Iodine Nanoparticle Contrast Agent

摘要

BackgroundThe accumulation of macrophages in inflamed atherosclerotic plaques has been long recognized. In an attempt to develop an imaging agent for detection of vulnerable plaques, we evaluated the feasibility of a liposomal-iodine nanoparticle contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) imaging of macrophage-rich atherosclerotic plaques in a mouse model.